Hi Sat on a campsite in Norfolk in our tent, we have already decided that a caravan is our next step, we are surrounded by some great vans when up popped the Exclusive and the good lady said " oh yes please " anyone owned one ? Thanks for your help
Our Tabbert obviously has the door on the continental side being German like the Hobby and to date we have never had a problem with it - the standard of the interior more than makes up for any inconvenience you may perceive.
The only time I've thought there may be a problem is where site like you to be in orderly rows like a car park where we would have to put the van nose in, but since we hate that type of site (me more than the other half) we tend to keep to CSs where you can pitch as you want to without problems - and get loads of peace.
------------- Caravanning is a way of getting a cheap holiday out of an expensive hobby
I have always loved looking round the hobby vans at the caravan and camping shows etc,and like lots of people wished you owned one ,but i never realised untill my sister in law bought one that some sites don't allow hobby vans.And I read a couple of years ago in another forum that someone else with a hobby turned up at a site and was refunded their money and asked to leave,it's apparently because the vans are popular with the travelling community .
We have only ever been asked twice when booking what kind of van we have ,.
Quote: Originally posted by tartanthistles on 14/8/2011
I have always loved looking round the hobby vans at the caravan and camping shows etc,and like lots of people wished you owned one ,but i never realised untill my sister in law bought one that some sites don't allow hobby vans.And I read a couple of years ago in another forum that someone else with a hobby turned up at a site and was refunded their money and asked to leave,it's apparently because the vans are popular with the travelling community .
We have only ever been asked twice when booking what kind of van we have ,.
Fortunately these types of site are few and far between - probably banning twin axles as well.
Now for the myth busting:
Hobbys are rarely used by travellers - take a look in your local traveller site and you will find mostly British vans - Baileys, Swifts, Coachman, etc.
Hobbys are mainly used by showmen and Romanys and they would rarely lower themselves to use a campsite of the type that we tend to use...
------------- Caravanning is a way of getting a cheap holiday out of an expensive hobby
I've seen loads of hobbys on sites I've stayed at, never seen or heard of anyone being turned away, and the same applies to twin axles , there is so many around, I think it's mainly a myth , alot of our European counterparts have hobbys ect with the door on the other side and they have always been allowed on site, It wouldn't be very pc to turn them away.
I think hobbys are smashing all the ones I've looked at are really well made :)
------------- "I'm a fool for my dogs"
Adopt a rescue, rescue dogs make great pets, don't support puppy farms.
The road can be tough and rough,but what you put in you get back 10 x more.
Never found the door on the wrong side to be a problem, we just shift over a bit on the pitch normally. Never been asked what make of caravan we have when booking and if they didn't want us because it's a Hobby I'd rather not be there anyway!
We have a lot of travellers round this area and only ever seen one in a Hobby and it was a huge double axle one unlike ours.
Hi there, I have recently bought a Hobby 560 Ufe and it is EXCELLENT!!!! It is so well made, typical of German engineering I suppose. Although it is back to front I simply park it back to front, otherwise my seating area would be different to everyone elses and the missus wouldn't be able to watch the world go by. To allow this to be done easier I have fitted a Purpleline hitchdrive manual mover for that final little push onto the stand. Works a treat.
Also, I live in Northern Ireland and we do have a lot of travellers here (strangely lol). It IS TRUE, they like Hobby's so don't believe it is a myth (although you wouldn't get turned away because travellers are obvious and if you don't have a works van with orange beacon you should be okay). In fact, on my first trip while setting up the awning a pair of travellers approached to ask me if I would sell it.... I had it for 3 days and they wanted it!!!!!!
Now, they are wider (mine is 2.5m) which is now fine for UK road law (2.55m) but this makes it necassary to be more mindful you have it on tow. That said, I pull mine with a Xsara Picasso 1.6HDi so the extra weight is well balanced and with a stabiliser it glides easily.
If the one you look at has been unused for a while, especially over winter, make sure you see the water system working and check the water heater for leaks as they crack if water is left there to freeze like every van. I found that out with a bill for a new casing.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Hobby Exclusive
